Ross Osten · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Ross Osten

Ross Osten

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there—this week I'm sharing something that often surprises homeowners: how quickly equity adds up when you're paying down a mortgage. Here's what you need to know.

National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.43%

VA 30-Year

6.25%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Equity Building

Your home is working for you every month

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Over time, this equity becomes real wealth you can tap into if you need it. The sooner you start, the more you accumulate. If you bought a few years ago, you may have built more equity than you realize, especially if your home's value has shifted in your market. Knowing your equity position matters whether you're thinking about refinancing, a home improvement project, or just understanding your financial picture. I'd love to help you figure out where you stand and what options might make sense for your situation.

Let's talk about how much equity you've built and what you might do with it.

Tip of the Week

Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.

Tips for Homeowners

HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage

1.

HOA dues are included in your debt-to-income ratio calculation when you apply for a mortgage. High HOA fees reduce how much home you can qualify for.

2.

Before buying in an HOA, review the financials: reserve fund balance, any pending special assessments, and recent meeting minutes. A depleted reserve fund can mean a large unexpected charge.

3.

HOA dues are generally not tax-deductible for a primary residence. If the home is a rental property, dues may be deductible as a business expense.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Ross Osten team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

R

Ross Osten

Ross Osten

rosten@canopymortgage.com

You are receiving this from Ross Osten.  Unsubscribe